The State and Catholics in Vietnam

The article falls within the political science of religion, a “transactional” perspective. A critical point at stake here is to preserve system, which officially draws on socialist ideas and Hochiminhism, consists deferring liberal democracy. historical background emergence Catholicism in Vietnam has been shown, proves that Catholics operated under shadow anti-national anti-patriotic accusations. This narrative was strengthened during Indochina’s war when ruling Communist Party required consolidation around nationalist communist ideas. change brought by reform Doi Moi, first plan put up economic liberalisation followed greater tolerance openness, but without changing party system. enjoy freedom. They can also join Party, return, expects stabilisation support for New forms cooperation with religious groups have developed, some them are still criticised, including limitations related registration control state apparatus.